A bladder infection occurs when bacteria from the urinary tract moves to the bladder and multiplies. An untreated bladder infection can continue to move up the urinary system and affect the kidneys. The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse notes that infections of the urinary tract account for over eight million doctor visits a year. Symptoms range from mild to severe. Medical intervention for a bladder infection depends on the type of bacteria causing the infection and duration of infection; however, in most cases, antibacterial medications are used to alleviate symptoms. Alternative means for treating bladder infections with the herb kava are an option, but the effectiveness is inconclusive and should be discussed with your physician before using.
Step 1
Talk to your physician and get an accurate diagnosis. Bladder infection is diagnosed by testing your urine for bacteria. Consult your physician in the event of symptoms such as frequent urination with minimal amounts passing, painful urination or burning sensation during urination, and an uncomfortable pressure above the pubic bone. The course of treatment depends on where the infection is in the urinary system. However, symptoms including back pain, nausea or vomiting can indicate infection in the kidneys, which requires more intensive treatment. In the event of minor infection, discuss the use of kava with your physician to ensure safety and prevent other medication interactions.
Step 2
Prepare a kava beverage. The underground stem of kava, or rhizome, is useful for making a warm beverage for treating infection. Buy 2 to 4g of dried kava root from an herb shop. Boil the herb for seven to 10 minutes. Boiling the herb, or the decoction method, is a means for extracting the active ingredients out of the rhizome, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. Drink the decoction up to three times a day.
Step 3
Take capsules or tablets as an alternative to drinking kava beverages. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that standard dose of kava is 150 to 300mg, which is taken up to three times a day. Do not exceed oral use of kava past two weeks for treating bladder infection. Consult your physician regarding the recommended duration of taking oral kava.
Step 4
Read packaging labels on kava products. The active ingredient in kava is kavalactones, also referred to as kava pyrones, notes Holisticonline.com. Before buying supplements, read labeling for the percentage of kavalactones available in the product. Use a kava supplement that has at least 30 to 70 percent of active ingredient to treat your bladder infection. The active ingredient varies per product brand.
Tips and Warnings
- Kava is also linked to decreasing anxiety and inducing sleep, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center.
- Do not drive after using kava, because it may cause drowsiness. Kava reportedly causes liver damage, depending on dose. Consult your physician before using kava.
